Surprise has been a stop on the circuit since 2008. In that time, city officials have said its tourism industry has benefited from the exposure, though there are no figures to quantify the economic impact on the city.

The city estimates about 3 million Fox Sports and Tennis Channel viewers hear "Surprise, Arizona" when the event is aired on television.

The city has used the event as a way to gain national exposure and lure other events, such as U.S. Tennis Association matches.

Tennis fans will come to Surprise on March 21 for the final leg of the PowerShares Series, a competitive tennis circuit that pits some of the sport's most recognizable retired athletes against one another. There are 12 one-night events held nationwide.

The top three finishers at the end of the season share a $1 million prize pool.

The two-day event will feature Pete Sampras, Michael Chang, Jim Courier and Todd Martin facing off in semifinal matches and a one-set final match to determine the tournament champion on Friday.

Saturday will start with an exhibition match between Courier and Martin followed by a mixed-doubles match featuring the two men, Tracy Austin and Anna Kournikova. Surprise is the only city that has a multiday event.

The competitors have earned 193 professional singles and doubles titles combined.

The event was previously called the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Tournament. There was no tournament in 2013 after organizers pushed the event back to March 2014.

About the tournament

Question: How many people attend the tournament?

Answer: About 2,000.

Q: Why wasn't there a tournament in 2013?

A: Jon Venison, a founding partner of InsideOut Sports and Entertainment, which puts on the PowerShares series, said the event was moved from its traditional fall dates to spring to accommodate players and venue schedules.

Q: Who else has played?

A: Tennis greats such as Andre Agassi, John McEnroe and Martina Navratilova have played at the Surprise Tennis & Racquet Center.

Q: What is the PowerShares Series?

A: It is a competitive tennis circuit in 12 cities that features retired tennis players over 30. Surprise has the final tournament in the series. It is the only city that has a two-day event that features retired female players as well.

VIP upgrades: Carrabba's Club upgrade includes food and drinks for $80. Cocktail party with player Q-and-A session costs $75 for one day or $120 for both. Player clinics with meet-and-greets cost $450 for one session or $600 for both days.

Tickets: Available at the Surprise Recreation box office at 15960 N. Bullard Ave., through ticketmaster.com or at 623-222-2222.